Japan's deadliest food poses risks, yet it remains a New Year’s tradition.

Despite its choking hazards, mochi remains a cherished New Year's tradition in Japan, symbolizing vitality and good fortune.

Japan's deadliest food poses risks, yet it remains a New Year’s tradition.

So, let’s dive into this wild tradition of eating mochi in Japan. It all revolves around New Year’s, which is a time for a big cultural reset. You leave behind all the good and bad from the past year, hoping for fresh luck and good fortune. Mochi, those glutinous rice cakes? They’re supposed to be a life boost, but it turns out this ancient delicacy puts lives at risk because if you choke on it, well, things can get ugly real quick.

This chewy danger dates back centuries. Kagami mochi is the ceremonial offering that symbolizes harmony and good fortune, and it’s served up to welcome the god Toshigami into homes. They even believed eating it could transfer blessings! Now, people eat it in soups like ozoni, but the choking hazard is very real. Always cut it into small pieces, drink something before diving in, and if someone’s in trouble, you better know the emergency number! Despite the risks, the love for mochi shows just how far tradition will take you—even to the hospital!

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